BLOG - 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, Harare, Zimbabwe.

By Silence Mugadzaweta | Aug. 17, 2024 | 11 Min read

Zimbabwe hosts the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government,

Background

On August 17 and 18, 2024, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) will hold the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The Summit will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the theme “Promoting Innovation to unlock Opportunities for sustained Economic growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC”.

The summit will also see Zimbabwe’s incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa assuming the chairmanship of the body.

The position, which is only held for a maximum of one year, rotates amongst the 16-member states and was first occupied by former Botswana President Joni Masire back in 1980.

The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the community, making it the ultimate policy making institution of SADC.

The main objective of the 44th SADC Summit will be to demonstrate the significance of research and innovation in education systems towards transforming SADC into an industrialised region.

Among some of the key issues the Summit will receive the report of the chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation.

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Furthermore, the Summit will receive updates on food security and the impact of El Nino-induced drought and floods in the SADC region.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the conference, Zimbabwe’s government has conducted extensive infrastructural developments to improve its road network as well as enhance Harare’s aesthetic.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi (60) arrives. The Congolese president made a landslide victory in December 2023 elections highly contested by opposition candidates. Tshisekedi was first sworn in as president in January 2019, after controversially defeating Joseph Kabila. He won the first time promising to improve living conditions in the DRC – which boasts mineral riches but has a largely impoverished population of 100 million – and put an end to 25 years of bloodshed in the east.#SADCSummit2024 #SADCPeopleSummit #SADC #Zimbabwe

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrives. Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the Tanzanian presidency following the unexpected death of John Magufuli in March 2021 becoming the first female President of the Republic of Tanzania. Magufuli was Tanzania’s fifth president. He came to power in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (71) arrives. Ramaphosa was reelected by lawmakers for a second term after his African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) agreed to form a coalition earlier this year. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 29 May elections for the first time since it swept to power in 1994 at the end of apartheid. Its vote share collapsed from 57.5% in 2019 to 40.2%, as supporters defected to breakaway parties amid chronic unemployment and worsening public services. The DA, which received almost 22% of the vote, will back Ramaphosa’s election by lawmakers for a second term. Ramaphosa replaced Jacob Zuma as both president and ANC leader in 2018.

King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini (56) arrives. Makhosetive was 14 years old when his father died in 1982, and a regency was established to rule Swaziland until Makhosetive could ascend the throne upon his 21st birthday. A power struggle within the royal family, however, led to Makhosetive taking the crown when he was 18, making him the youngest world leader at that time. His coronation was held on April 25, 1986. On that day he took the name King Mswati III and also married the first of several wives. The king also appoints the cabinet, prime minister and judges, approves laws proposed by parliament and commands all of Eswatini's security forces.

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi (63) arrives. Masisi was sworn-in as the 5th President of the Republic ofBotswana in November 2019 after winning the 2019 General Elections. Masisi succeeded former President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, in April 2018, when Khama’s two five-year terms in office ended. He served as Botswana’s 8th Vice President from 2014-2018.

Sadc summit: Zambian president skips Zimbabwe trip-----

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is conspicuous by his absence at the 44th Ordinary Summit of Sadc Heads of State and Government that is underway in Harare as tension simmers between his country and neighbouring Zimbabwe.

On Friday, Hichilema who is the outgoing Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairperson, delivered his final report virtually.

Ahead of the summit, there was speculation that the Zambian leader will not travel to Zimbabwe because of a sour relationship with President Emmerson.

Mnangagwa was angered by a Sadc observer mission report that said Zimbabwe’s elections, which were held in August last year did not meet regional standards.

The Sadc mission was led by former Zambian vice president Nevers Mumba, who was appointed by Hichilema.

Hichilema on Friday said most elections held during his tenure were peaceful, but refrained from making reference to the Zimbabwean election.

"As the secretary said, elections are foremost, if you like, the ultimate in our democratic dispensations. And elections can be difficult, elections can be emotional. But we're very pleased that the elections that happened during our time, or the year that has passed, were reasonably peaceful and delivered leadership that now can be crowned as a bloc that we've maintained or managed to have a peaceful transition of leadership from one team to another during the last year,” he said.

“I must say that this is work in progress and look forward to the elections that are coming. And the latter part of this year, calendar year, and we want to encourage our ministries, our citizens in our individual countries to support electoral processes, to campaign, to conduct elections, as I said, so pre-election, during election, post-election, in a peaceful and tolerant manner, because that's what will keep our region steady.

“And allow space for economic and social development to play its critical part, which is the area that we need to focus to deliver, because that's what we do.”

1118: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken the podium as he makes his first address as the incoming chairperson of SADC.

1134: But we're very pleased that the elections that happened during our time, or the year that has passed, were reasonably peaceful and delivered leaderships that sadly now can be crowned as a bloc that we've maintained or managed to have a peaceful transition of leaderships from one team to another during the last year. - President Emmerson Mnangagwa

1141: Thank you SADC for bearing with us the burdens imposed by the last 24 years of illegal sanctions imposed on our country because we claimed our land - President Emmerson Mnangagwa

1152: On regional Security and Climate Change disasters, President Mnangagwa says effort by the regional bloc “epitomizes the true pan African spirit envisioned by the founding fathers of our region.”

1219: Outgoing SADC chairperson President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola addresses the summit before the ceremonial hand over of the SADC Chairperson’s Badge to the Incoming SADC Chairperson. Appeals for private sector to support the regional bloc’s efforts to ensure development and success of projects. Calls for region’s leaders to strive for access to energy at “reasonable prices” to spur industrialization goals.

1228: Underscores that power generation in most of the countries within the region does not meet the demand and says “the region needs to continue investing in the sector to increase production and development” Free movement of people in the region is key to the region’s development he says and advices “removal of barriers and boarders for free movement” within SADC.

1240: President Emmerson Mnangagwa takes podium to give acceptance statement as the new SADC Chairperson.

1248: The theme this year 'Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC' is a clarion call for member states to leverage human capital for the bloc’s development - President Mnangagwa.

1253: Mnangagwa says SADC needs to harness its potential of innovation for value addition and beneficiation. SADC, the incoming Chairperson says, ‘cannot afford to fall behind in innovation and technology as this is a bedrock for increased for productivity’

1254: To this end, it has become critically important and urgent to harness the potential of innovation to produce goods and services through value addition and beneficiation of our rich mineral and related natural resources. The peoples of the region fought for our liberation, freedom and independence as well as the economic value of our land and that which is under it. The time is now, we must realise maximum value from our God given rich natural endowments.

1255: Our SADC bloc cannot afford to fall behind in the new and fast changing frontier of science, technology and innovation. These aspects are a pre-requisite for increased productivity and indeed the bedrock upon which other parts of the world industrialised and developed.

1256: Let us, therefore, match our aspirations set out in the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063) with concrete and real actions. It is pleasing that the successful SADC Industrialisation Week and Investment Forum provided a public-private engagement platform where participants discussed and shared innovative approaches.

1257: Our institutions of higher learning, the academia, scientists and innovators must equally strengthen linkages to further drive the innovation, modernisation and industrialisation of our region. In the case of Zimbabwe, we have set up several innovation hubs at all State Universities and related institutions. These have achieved remarkable success in developing a sense of self-belief, skills and competencies. Further, initiatives under the programmes have transformed livelihoods, communities and the economy as a whole, through the production of appropriate goods and services.

1257: The democracy, independence and freedom being enjoyed by the peoples’ of the region were paid for through the sweat, tears and blood of yester-year heroes and heroines as well as sons and daughters of SADC. We have a sacred duty to honour them all by jealously guarding and defending our sovereignty and right to economic self-determination. We are a proud Southern African people with a rich history and a brighter future.

1259: I assume the Chairmanship of SADC, aware of the historic and momentous role played by our Founding Fathers and their vision for a united, independent, integrated, peaceful and prosperous region. It is indeed most opportune that this 44th Ordinary SADC Summit is convening a few days after we commemorated our 44th National Heroes Day,on 12 August 2024. We remain mindful that the protracted struggle for the liberation of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, would have never been realised without the support of our brothers and sisters in our region as well as other progressive countries from beyond. We are forever grateful.

Sadc summit: Mnangagwa thanks Sadc for support as he becomes regional block’s new chairperson

BY SHARON BUWERIMWE

HARARE - President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday expressed his gratitude to Southern African Development Community (Sadc) leaders for supporting Zimbabwe in the face of western-imposed sanctions.

Mnangagwa made these remarks at the opening of the 44th SADC Summit, held at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.

The sanctions, imposed over two decades ago, were a response to Zimbabwe's controversial land reform programme, which saw the expropriation of farms from white farmers and a violent crackdown against opposition supporters.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has been unfairly punished for reclaiming its land.

"As the people of Zimbabwe, we thank you, Sadc, for bearing with us the burdens imposed on us by illegal sanctions for the past 24 years, simply because we claimed our land," he said.

He highlighted the resilience of Zimbabweans and praised the solidarity shown by Sadc nations throughout the challenging period.

Mnangagwa, who takes over as Sadc chairperson at this summit, also emphasised the significance of the bloc's history in transforming the region from one of racial segregation and oppression to one of peace, security, and prosperity.

"The historic facts of Sadc are that it ushered in an era of marked transformation in the region from a past characterized by segregation and brutal racial oppression.

“Now, we enjoy peace, security, and prosperity in our respective countries," he said.

Mnangagwa said Sadc has improved regional integration.

"Sadc has enabled integration and has improved the quality of life for our people. Zambians and the people of Zimbabwe are humbled to join your excellencies and esteemed delegations in celebrating these milestones we have achieved,” he added.

He concluded his address by reiterating the importance of unity within the region.

"United we stand, and united we continue to march forward toward a more prosperous future for our great region," Mnangagwa declared.

Sadc summit: Calls for regional stability as leaders meet in Harare

BY SHARON BUWERIMWE

HARARE - The 44th Southern African Development Community (Sad) Summit opened in Harare on Saturday with calls for more innovation, economic integration, and regional stability.

In his introductory remarks, Sadc executive secretary Elias Magosi outlined the critical issues facing the block such as the need for unity and concerted efforts to unlock the region’s economic potential.

The summit is being held under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised Sadc.”

"This theme provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of our region and accelerate progress on our industrialization agenda," Magosi said.

He said one of the major challenges was the low levels of intra-regional trade, which currently stand at just 23%.

Maggosi attributed this to persistent non-tariff barriers, despite the region having zero import duty on 85% of products traded among member states.

"It is imperative to rededicate our collective efforts to implement measures to reduce these barriers and promote intra-regional cooperation and integration," he said.

Magosi also announced a significant development in expanding Sadc's market reach beyond the region.

The agreement establishing the Tripartite Free Trade Area among Comesa, the East African Community (EAC), and Sadc came into force in July 2024.

This agreement opens up a larger market of 26 countries with a population of about 700 million and a gross domestic product of one trillion US dollars.

"This is a key milestone in the promotion of intra-African trade and enhancement of economic integration in the tripartite area," he said.

On the topic of peace and security, Magosi praised the Sadc region for remaining a beacon of stability despite challenges.

He highlighted the deployment of the Sadc Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and its role in supporting the DRC government to restore peace.

He also noted the successful conclusion of the Sadc Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in Cabo Delgado, which paved the way forthe return of over 600,000 internally displaced persons.

Acknowledging the severe impact of the 2023/24 El Niño phenomenon on the region, Magosi reported that 67.7 million people, representing more than 17% of the regional population, had been affected.

He expressed gratitude to outgoing Sadc chairperson and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for his swift action in convening an Extraordinary Summit to address the humanitarian crisis.

Magosi also highlighted the launch of a US$5.5 billion regional humanitarian appeal to support disaster recovery efforts.

Addressing the financial needs of the region, Magosi called for the operationalisation of the Sadc Regional Development Fund (RDF) to finance critical infrastructure and development programmes.

"Without adequate resources, our efforts to industrialize, integrate our economies, and unlock the region’s full potential will stall," he warned.

He urged member states to sign and ratify the RDF Agreement.

The Sadc leaders are expected to deliberate on these critical issues that will shape the future of the region and ensure that the outcomes positively impact the lives of its citizens.